MARCUS LESLIE SINGLETON
The Composer
2022
Oil on panel
29 7/8 by 40 in. 75.9 by 101.6 cm.
MARCUS LESLIE SINGLETON
Washing
2022
Oil and spray paint on panel
60 by 47 7/8 in. 152.4 by 121.6 cm.
MARCUS LESLIE SINGLETON
Old Record
2022
Oil, enamel, glitter and glue on panel
60 by 120 in. 152.4 by 304.8 cm.
courtesy of the artist and Journal Gallery, New York
MARCUS LESLIE SINGLETON
The Writer
2022
Oil and enamel on panel
12 by 9 in. 30.5 by 22.9 cm.
courtesy of the artist and the Portland Museum of Art, Maine
MARCUS LESLIE SINGLETON
East River (Self Portrait)
2022
Oil and spray paint on panel
36 by 24 in. 91.4 by 61 cm.
MARCUS LESLIE SINGLETON
Bullet
2022
Oil on panel
16 1/8 by 16 1/8 in. 41 by 41 cm.
MARCUS LESLIE SINGLETON
Friends New Ramps
2022
Oil and spray paint on three joined wood panels
5 1/4 by 5 1/4 by 6 in. 13.3 by 13.3 by 15.2 cm.
MARCUS LESLIE SINGLETON
The Poet
2022
Oil and spray paint on panel
48 by 48 in. 121.9 by 121.9 cm.
MARCUS LESLIE SINGLETON
The Acrobat
2019
Oil and graphite on three joined wood panels
4 by 4 by 5 in. 10.2 by 10.2 by 12.7 cm.
MARCUS LESLIE SINGLETON
Tennis 03'
2019
Oil and spray paint on three joined wood panels
7 by 5 by 6 in. 17.8 by 12.7 by 15.2 cm.
b. 1990, Seattle, Washington
Lives and works in Brooklyn, NY
Marcus Leslie Singleton is a Seattle born self-taught artist best known for his distinct figurative paintings that cite pointed yet subtle observations. Singleton’s practice offers implicit critiques of contemporary social and political issues while simultaneously inviting viewers to engage in a visceral discourse examining the dialogue around spirituality and social constructs. Through natural, carefree, and playful brush strokes, his work depicts narrative scenes highlighting the trials of reality and its nonphysical components; “I’m interested in creating new paths that aim to contextualize aesthetic beliefs and inspire people to unlearn and humanize us presently and, in the future,” Singleton explains. His presentation of these timelines both highlight and celebrate the multiplicity in society detailing the parallel realities of joy and hardship in a figurative language. Using spontaneity, scale, and expressive placement of color, Singleton’s paintings offer a jovial perspective that is both poignant and bold.
Singleton’s first solo-exhibition with Mitchell-Innes & Nash will take place in December 2023. His works have been included in solo and group shows at The Drawing Center, New York, NY (2022); Jupiter Contemporary, Miami Beach, FL (2022); Journal Gallery, New York, NY (2022); September Gallery, Hudson, NY (2021); University Art Museum, Albany, NY (2021); Superposition Gallery, Amagansett, NY (2021); Steve Turner Gallery, Los Angeles, CA (2020); Journal Gallery, New York, NY (2020); TURN Gallery, New York, NY (2019); Medium Tings, Brooklyn, NY (2018) among others. Recent museum acquisitions include the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, FL, San Antonio Art Museum, San Antonio, TX and the Portland Museum of Art, Portland, Maine.
All images © Marcus Leslie Singleton.